Lindsey Wilson College

« Back to Recent News

Lindsey Wilson College Names First Recipient of Joshua C. Phipps Memorial Scholarship

Adair County High School graduate Kaydence Karnes receives scholarship named in honor of fallen Russell County sheriff's deputy.

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (06/23/2025) — Former Lindsey Wilson College student Joshua Phipps was a model of public service, and the inaugural recipient of a scholarship named in his memory aims to live up to the high standards set by the late Russell County sheriff's deputy.

Kaydence Karnes of Columbia has been named the first recipient of the Joshua C. Phipps Memorial Scholarship. The four-year, full-tuition scholarship is awarded annually by Lindsey Wilson to a graduating senior from Adair County High School or Russell County High School.

Phipps, 38, died in September while helping Kentucky State Police and other agencies search on foot for a suspect. A 2005 Adair County High School graduate, Phipps served with the Russell County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served with the Louisville Metro Police Department.

"I'm very honored to be the first recipient of this scholarship," said Karnes, a 2025 Adair County High School graduate and the daughter of Anthony and Aleisha Karnes. "The way he dedicated his life to serving others inspires me as well."

Karnes plans to major in education at Lindsey Wilson, which will become Lindsey Wilson University on July 1. She plans to have a career as a high school English teacher.

"I hope I can pass my love of reading and writing on to others, especially those students who might not have discovered a love of reading and writing," said Karnes.

'The good shepherd of Russell County'

Phipps's mother, Pam Phipps of Columbia, was Karnes' librarian when she attended kindergarten at the former Colonel William Casey Elementary School. A 26-year veteran of Adair County Public Schools who has also taught Lindsey Wilson education classes, Phipps said that "my son would be so honored and humbled to know that his legacy to the community is being recognized with this scholarship."

"It recognizes how selfless he was," she said.

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston said that Phipps "was the kind of deputy any department would be honored and blessed to have" and he is "deeply missed" by the citizens of the county he served.

"His compassion for others and love for his community was shown not only on calls but out of his uniform as well," said Polston. "Despite his young age, his knowledge and mindset was that of a seasoned law enforcement officer. He was always ready to jump in and do whatever was necessary to get the job done. His love for helping others was noticed by all who knew him. The Russell County Sheriff's Office was a better place because of him, and his absence has left a void in the department.

"His heroism, selflessness and bravery will never be forgotten by the Russell County Sheriff's Office and the citizens he served. He will forever be our hero and the good shepherd of Russell County."

Kentucky State Police trooper Billy Begley, who worked with Phipps on several cases, also recalled what a "kind, hardworking deputy" Phipps was.

"Josh and I worked diligently on several cases together and often worked off duty to get the cases investigated and get people in custody," said Begley. "Josh was always willing to assist on an investigation. To Josh, the color of the uniform did not matter -- it was about getting the job done and putting the bad guys in jail."

Pam Phipps said that she and her husband, Donnie, along with daughter, Rachel Adams, son-in-law, Matthew Adams, and grandson, John William Adams, "are glad that this scholarship will be used to support those who want to spend their lives serving others and their communities."

"This scholarship means more than his family can ever say," said Pam Phipps. "We appreciate it and love being part of the Lindsey Wilson family."

Lindsey Wilson College is a vibrant liberal arts college in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson -- which will become Lindsey Wilson University on July 1 -- has an enrollment of more than 4,000 students, and the college offers 28 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The college's 28 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

Media Attachments

Kaydence Karnes of Columbia, left, and Pam and Donnie Phipps, both of Columbia, display a picture of the late Joshua C. Phipps, who served as a Russell County sheriff’s deputy. Karnes is the first recipient of the Joshua C. Phipps Memorial Scholarship.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out